Hancock Co. animal shelter to see upgrades

Right now, the Hancock County Animal Shelter is housing just over 100 dogs and cats. The trouble is the shelter only has kennel space for half of that number. (Photo source: WLOX)

The organization Friends of the Animal Shelter will fund most of the new additions, costing the taxpayers nothing. (Photo source: WLOX)

Some improvements are on the way to the Hancock County Animal Shelter to help with overcrowding. (Photo source: WLOX)

HANCOCK COUNTY, MS (WLOX) -

Some improvements are on the way to the Hancock County Animal Shelter to help with overcrowding. Some of those upgrades should make the animals housed at the shelter extremely happy.

The organization Friends of the Animal Shelter will fund most of the new additions, costing the taxpayers nothing.

Right now, the Hancock County Animal Shelter is housing just over 100 dogs and cats. The trouble is the shelter only has kennel space for half of that number.

"Every animal shelter, and this is no exception, is always full. That's just the way it is across the country, but they need more space, and that's what we're working on right now," said Friends of the Animal Shelter Founder Micky Evans.

The plans call for 12 new, luxurious dog kennels.

"They're going to add some covered kennels that will have concrete floors, drainage, ceiling fans, but they will be outdoor kennels. They are going to do that on both sides of the play yards," said Evans.

The cats at the shelter will get something new as well, according to Evans.

"Build a cattery, so the cats can go outside and inside. So they can go outside and get some fresh air, look at the sky and birds and everything going by and not be stuck in the cat room all the time," explained Evans.

On the east side of the building, a shade structure will go up for live stock brought into the shelter.

"Usually, it's horses that have been confiscated for cruelty and neglect," said Evans.

Some of the materials are already on the grounds for that open air structure.

"Right now, the shelter is working with the Seabee Base to see about the Seabees coming out and building the lean-to. They've got to go through their proper channels before they get the OK to do that," said Evans.

Evans said the good news is the improvements won't cost taxpayers a cent.

"Friends of the Animals Shelter has some money that they'll put into it. There is also a group out of Pennsylvania called Rescue U. They were down this past Tuesday, and then she's going to go back and start working on fund raising also," said Evans.

Evans reminds residents the shelter is always in need of donations of laundry detergents and other cleaning supplies, as well as dog and cat foods.

Shelter leaders say the improvements will be made over the next few months.

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